COVID-19-related lockdown resulted in a historic drop in air pollution, that offered a great opportunity to study the effects of air pollutants on human health. The POLCOV study therefore aimed to determine and compare oxidative stress biomarkers and cytokines in healthy individuals during the lockdown and 6 months after easing mobility restrictions in Barcelona [1].
In this prospective study, blood samples were collected during 2 moments from healthy, non-smoking adults. Age, sex, and postal district of residence were collected for all individuals. Blood samples were analysed for eosinophil and Th1/Th2/Th17-related cytokine levels by a multiplex assay. Eotaxin, IFN-γ, IL-7, and RANTES were measured for analysis of regulatory cytokines. In addition, G-CSP, IL-1b, MIP-1α, IL-4, and IL-13 were measured to analyse proinflammatory cytokines. Finally, levels of 8-isoprostane were measured as a biomarker for oxidative stress.
Samples from 58 participants were analysed; mean age was 37 years, most participants were female (62%), and 53% of participants were diagnosed with atopy previously. At the moment of collection of the first sample, the air pollution had been decreased with 80% compared with pre-lockdown. After 6 months, air pollution had reached similar levels to pre-lockdown. At 6 months after the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, a significant increase in levels of 8-isoprostane, G-CSF, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-4, IL-13, and MIP-1α was found. In contrast, a significant decrease in levels of IFN-γ, TNFα, eotaxin, PDGF-BB, MIP-1β, IL-6, IL-7, and RANTES was observed. No significant differences were observed in the level of eosinophils. Furthermore, levels of other cytokines were not detectable in both periods.
Taken together, biomarkers and cytokines related to oxidative stress and systemic inflammation were found to be significantly increased when environmental pollution increased after easing restrictions due to COVID-19 lockdown.
- De Homdedeu et al. Late Breaking Abstract - The impact of the reduction of environmental pollution during COVID-19 lockdown on healthy individuals (POLCOV Study). Abstract 3255. ERS 2021, 5–8 September.
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Table of Contents: ERS 2021
Featured articles
Letter from the Editor
COVID-19 Research: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Higher inflammation markers in COVID-19 patients with a first negative PCR test
Persistent fatigue following COVID-19
Risk of COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in young and middle-aged adults
Respiratory Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Studies
Rhinovirus bronchiolitis increased risk of recurrent wheezing and asthma
COPD: Evidence Update
Livestock farming affected the airway microbiome of COPD patients
Reduction of COPD severe acute exacerbations by candidate vaccine
Paediatrics and Vaccinology
Better lung function in children with a healthy diet
Need for validated severity score in the assessment of bronchiolitis
Increased impact of air pollution on lung function in preterm infants
Pearls in Asthma Research
Biomarkers do not discriminate severe from severe uncontrolled asthma
Increased blood neutrophiles in patients with obesity and asthma
Blood inflammatory phenotypes associated with clinical symptoms of asthma
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